Hello and welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! Today we’re celebrating one of the most beloved characters from 1970s British television—Basil Brush.
As many of you know, Basil Brush was a Saturday evening staple, a character who brought families together with his cheeky wit and mischievous antics. Basil Brush takes me back to those Saturday evenings, a time when television was a family affair. Basil, with his natty tweed outfit and impeccable charm, was a fixture of our weekend routine. He was more than just a puppet; he was a character who felt as real as anyone else in the room, thanks largely to the incredible talent of Ivan Owen.
Ivan Owen, the genius behind Basil Brush, managed to create a character that transcended the usual puppet show. His decision to keep a low profile, allowing Basil to shine as the star, was a masterstroke. Even though Basil was a puppet, his personality and humor felt genuine and larger than life.
The show’s format was simple yet brilliant. Each episode began with Basil and his sidekick having a light-hearted chat, filled with jokes and witty commentary. The highlight was always the comedic sketches and musical performances, which included guest appearances from some of the biggest names of the time. From Petula Clark to Demis Roussos, these guests had to match Basil’s high-energy antics and, more often than not, ended up being upstaged by the cheeky fox.
One of my fondest memories is of the stories Basil would tell. With a new adventure every week, Basil’s tales of his ancestors, like Basil de Farmer or Bulldog Basil, were not only entertaining but also cleverly crafted to appeal to both children and adults. The addition of Ticker, Basil’s clockwork dog, added an extra layer of charm and humour to these segments.
Basil’s sidekicks played a crucial role in the show’s success. From Mr. Rodney Bewes to Mr. Derek Fowlds and Mr. Roy North, each brought their unique flair to the show, creating a dynamic that was both endearing and hilarious. The chemistry between Basil and his companions was a key factor in why the show resonated so well with audiences.
Despite its popularity, The Basil Brush Show was cancelled in 1980, reportedly due to a disagreement over its timeslot. Ivan Owen’s passing in 2000 marked the end of an era, although Basil did make a comeback with a new puppet and voice actor for a younger audience. However, the magic of the original Basil Brush, with Ivan Owen’s distinct touch, remains unmatched in my memory.
As we celebrate Basil Brush, I’d love to hear your thoughts and memories of the show. Did you eagerly anticipate Saturday nights with Basil? Share your stories by commenting on our blog or connecting with us on social media. You can also email me at oliver@my70stvchildhood.com.
That’s all for now. Join us next week for another round of our 70s TV quiz and stay tuned for more nostalgic journeys on our podcast in a fortnight.
Until then,
Take care,
Oliver……Boom Boom!!
Email: [Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com]
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